Salivary gland proteins of the human malaria vector, Anopheles dirus B (Diptera: Culicidae)

Salivary gland proteins of the human malaria vector, Anopheles dirus B were determined and analyzed. The amount of salivary gland proteins in mosquitoes aged between 3 - 10 days was approximately 1.08 ± 0.04 µg/female and 0.1 ± 0.05 µg/male. The salivary glands of both sexes displayed the same morphological organization as that of other anopheline mosquitoes. In females, apyrase accumulated in the distal regions, whereas alpha-glucosidase was found in the proximal region of the lateral lobes. This differential distribution of the analyzed enzymes reflects specialization of different regions for sugar and blood feeding. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that at least seven major proteins were found in the female salivary glands, of which each morphological region contained different major proteins. Similar electrophoretic protein profiles were detected comparing unfed and blood-fed mosquitoes, suggesting that there is no specific protein induced by blood. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel analysis showed the most abundant salivary gland protein, with a molecular mass of approximately 35 kilodaltons and an isoelectric point of approximately 4.0. These results provide basic information that would lead to further study on the role of salivary proteins of An. dirus B in disease transmission and hematophagy.

Acute neuromuscular manifestations in a patient associated with ingesting octopus (Octopus sp.)

The authors report neuromuscular manifestations in a 45-year-old woman after consuming octopus meat (Octopus sp.). The patient presented malaise, paresthesias in perioral and extremity areas, intense muscular weakness and arterial hypotension, followed by severe itch and disseminated cutaneous rash. Gastrointestinal manifestations and fever were not observed, reducing the probability of alimentary poisoning. The presence of muscular and neurological symptoms suggests neurotoxin action, which could have been ingested by the victim from the octopus salivary glands or from an accumulation of toxins in the meat, or by an unknown mechanism. There is little known about toxins of the Octopus genus and this communication is important alert to the possibility of poisoning in humans that eat octopus and its differentiation from alimentary poisonings arising from incorrect conservation of seafood.

Argyria. Case Report

A 70-year-old male rural worker was referred to our clinic with widespread grey pigmentation of the skin and nails. The condition had been asymptomatic for its entire duration (5 years). He reported past intranasal application of 10% Silver Vitellinate. A skin biopsy was performed and histology corroborated the clinical diagnosis of Argyria. This case represents a currently rare dermatological curiosity. Although silver colloids and salts have been withdrawn and/or banned by some drug surveillance agencies, they continue to be freely sold and unregulated as food supplements and as ingredients in alternative medicines, thereby risking the emergence of new cases of silver poisoning.

Divertículos da uretra feminina: uma revisão contemporânea

Introduc¸ão: Os divertículos uretrais femininos (DUF) afetam de 0,6 a 4,7% das mulheres, causam frequentemente sintomas urinários persistentes e podem associar-se a complicac¸ões como litíase e transformac¸ão maligna. Existe ainda elevado subdiagnóstico de DUF, bem como atraso diagnóstico e terapêutico. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o estado de arte em relac¸ão à etiologia, diagnóstico e terapêutica desta patologia. Materiais e métodos: Revisão bibliográfica de artigos obtidos até janeiro/2014 na base de dados Medline utilizando as palavras-chave: «female urethral diverticula», «female urethral diverticulum», «urethral diverticula», «urethral diverticulum» e «female urethra»; e após pesquisa de referências bibliográficas relevantes nos artigos obtidos. Resultados: A maioria dos DUF parecem surgir secundariamente à infec¸ão das glândulas periuretrais e uretrais. Apesar da associac¸ão clássica à tríade de disúria, dispareunia e gotejo pós-miccional, as manifestac¸ões clínicas são diversas e inespecíficas. Mais de um terc¸o são palpáveis ao exame ginecológico. Os métodos imagiológicos disponíveis, nomeadamente a ressonância magnética e a ecografia, apresentam elevada capacidade diagnóstica e contribuem para o planeamento cirúrgico. Dependendo da localizac¸ão, conformac¸ão e sintomatologia associada, a terapêutica dos DUF poderá ser conservadora ou, na maioria dos casos, cirúrgica. Discussão: A avaliac¸ão clínica permanece essencial para o diagnóstico de DUF. A ressonância magnética é a modalidade com maior taxa de diagnóstico e de exclusão de complicac¸ões pré ou pós-operatórias. Foram descritas técnicas menos invasivas, porém a diverticulectomia uretral transvaginal permanece a terapêutica com maior cura sintomática. Conclusão: A sensibilizac¸ão da comunidade médica é a melhor arma no combate ao subdiagnóstico e atraso diagnóstico dos DUF.

Venomous mollusks: the risks of human accidents by conus snails (gastropoda: conidae) in Brazil

Mollusks of the genus Conus present a venomous apparatus composed of radulae, a chitin structure linked to glands, which injects potent neurotoxic peptides, causing serious human envenomation and even death, associated with the blockage of certain receptors and muscular paralysis. No reported envenomation has occurred in Brazil, but certain populations are at risk of accidents.

The cellular basis of a congenital heart defect Drosophila

RESUMO: Mutações em genes envolvidos na formação do coração e anomalias em qualquer etapa deste processo causam frequentemente malformações cardíacas, que representam o tipo mais comum de defeitos em neonatais, afetando cerca de 1% dos nascimentos por ano. Assim, estima-se que 20 milhões de pessoas sejam portadoras de um defeito cardíaco congénito. O coração da Drosophila melanogaster (mosca-da-fruta), denominado vaso dorsal, é um órgão relativamente simples que actua como uma bomba muscular, contraindo automaticamente para permitir a circulação da hemolinfa através do corpo. A formação do vaso dorsal na mosca é muito semelhante ao desenvolvimento do coração em vertebrados, representando por isso, um poderoso modelo para estudar a rede de genes e os padrões regulatórios relacionados com o desenvolvimento deste órgão. Anteriormente, nós identificámos um gene em Drosophila, darhgef10, fortemente expresso no coração em desenvolvimento e cuja deleção induz anormalidades cardíacas subtis mas prevalentes. Os mutantes para darhgef10 são viáveis e férteis no ambiente controlado de laboratório. Este trabalho teve como objectivos caracterizar fenotipicamente os mutantes nulos para darhgef10, determinar a localização subcelular da proteína dArhgef10 e investigar a base celular subjacente ao defeito no alinhamento dos cardioblastos observado nos mutantes. Os nossos resultados revelaram que a deleção de darhgef10 provoca uma severa redução da viabilidade, sem no entanto comprometer o tempo de desenvolvimento e a longevidade. Por outro lado, o aumento da expressão de darhgef10 em músculos, glândulas salivares e no disco imaginal do olho afeta drasticamente a integridade destes tecidos. A expressão ectópica de darhgef10 in vitro e in vivo revelou que a proteína está localiza no citoplasma com enriquecimento junto à membrana celular, com associação à actina F. Live imaging de embriões mutantes para darhgef10 revelou que os defeitos observados no coração podem estar associados a um defeito na adesão dos músculos alary e/ou das células pericardiais ao vaso dorsal. O homólogo humano de darhgef10, ARHGEF10, também é expresso no coração e está associação a uma maior susceptibilidade para a ocorrência de acidentes vasculares cerebrais aterotrombóticos, sugerindo que o que aprendemos sobre darhgef10 em Drosophila pode ter implicações do ponto de vista clínico para a saúde humana. ----------------------------- ABSTRACT: Mutations in genes controlling heart development and abnormalities in any of its steps frequently cause cardiac malformations, the most common type of birth defects in humans, affecting nearly 1% of births per year. Hence around 20 million adults are expected to live with a congenital heart defect. The Drosophila melanogaster heart, called dorsal vessel, is a relatively simple organ that acts as a muscular pump contracting automatically to allow the circulation of hemolymph. Drosophila heart formation shares many similarities with heart development in vertebrates providing a powerful system to study gene networks and regulatory pathways involved in heart development. We have previously identified a Drosophila gene, darhgef10, which is strongly expressed in the developing heart and when deleted, leads to flies with highly prevalent yet subtle heart abnormalities, compatible with unchallenged life in the laboratory. Our aims were to phenotypically characterize homozygous null darhgef10 mutants, characterize the subcellular localization of dArhgef10 and to study the cellular basis of the misaligned cardioblasts defect. We found that about half of darhgef10 mutants die during development. However, the survivors surprisingly have a nearly normal developmental time, adult locomotor behavior and total lifespan. Detection of transgene-derived dArhgef10 protein in vitro and in vivo using custom antibodies revealed a cytosolic protein slightly enriched in the cellular membranes and associated with F-actin. Tissue-specific darhgef10 expression disrupts the normal morphology of developing muscles, salivary glands and the eye. Live imaging of darhgef10 mutant embryos revealed that heart defect could be caused by a reduced capacity of attachment of pericardial cells and/or alary muscle to dorsal vessel. The human homolog of darhgef10 is also expressed in the heart and is a susceptibility gene for atherothrombotic stroke, suggesting that what we learn about the function of this gene and its phenotypes in Drosophila could have implications to human health.

Skin lesions simulating blue toe syndrome caused by prolonged contact with a millipede

Venomous animals are those that, by means of a hunting and defense mechanism, are able to inject their prey with a toxic substance produced in their bodies, directly from specialized glands (e.g., tooth, sting, spur) through which the poison passes. Millipedes are poisonous animals; they can be harmful to humans, and their effects usually manifest as erythematous, purpuric, and cyanotic lesions; local pain; and paresthesia. Here, we report a case of skin contact with a millipede for 6h resulting in skin lesions similar to blue toe syndrome.

Indicators of inflammation and cellular damage in chronic asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic alcoholics: correlation with alteration of bilirubin and hepatic and pancreatic enzymes

Biochemical and hematimetric indicators of inflammation and cell damage were correlated with bilirubin and hepatic and pancreatic enzymes in 30 chronic male alcoholics admitted into psychiatric hospital for detoxification and treatment of alcoholism. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin were altered, respectively, in 90%, 63%, 87%, 23% and 23% of the cases. None of the indicators of inflammation (lactic dehydrogenase, altered in 16% of the cases; alpha-1 globulin, 24%; alpha-2 globulin, 88%; leucocyte counts, 28%) was correlated with alterations of bilirubin or liver enzymes. Lactic dehydrogenase was poorly sensitive for detection of hepatocytic or muscular damage. Alterations of alpha-globulins seemed to have been due more to alcohol metabolism-induced increase of lipoproteins than to inflammation. Among indicators of cell damage, serum iron, increased in 40% of the cases, seemed to be related to liver damage while creatine phosphokinase, increased in 84% of the cases, related to muscle damage. Hyperamylasemia was found in 20% of the cases and significantly correlated with levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase. It was indicated that injuries of liver, pancreas, salivary glands, and muscle occurred in asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic chronic alcoholics.

The importance of the ligation of the inferior thyroid artery in parathyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy

We prospectively studied the effects of the ligation of the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) on postoperative hypoparathyroidism in 48 patients who underwent functional subtotal thyroidectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups: A, with bilateral ligation of the ITA and B, without ligation of the ITA. Parathyroid function was checked preoperatively and after surgery by clinical examination and measurement of total calcium, intact PTH, urinary calcium, and AMPc. RESULTS: A significant incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia occurred: 17% in group A and 13% in B on the 4th postoperative day. Six months later, the incidence was 5% in Group A and 0% in Group B. These differences were not statistically significant between the two groups, and neither were any of the other clinical and laboratory observations. CONCLUSION: The ligation of the ITA was not an important causal factor for the occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia after subtotal thyroidectomy.

Acute pleuropulmonary complications detected by computed tomography following myocardial revascularization

INTRODUCTION: Pleuropulmonary changes are common following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery performed with a saphenous vein graft, with or without an internal mammary artery. The presence of atelectasis or pleural effusions reflects the thoracic trauma. PURPOSE: To define the postoperative incidence of changes in the lung and in the pleural space and to evaluate the influence of the trauma. METHODS: Thirty patients underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (8 saphenous vein grafts and 22 saphenous vein grafts and internal mammary artery grafts with pleurotomy). Chest tubes in the left pleural space were used in all internal mammary artery patients. On the second (day 2) and seventh (day 7) postoperative day, patients underwent a computed tomography, and pleural effusions were rated as follows: grade 0 = no fluid to grade 4 = fluid in more than 75% of the hemithorax. Atelectasis was rated as follows: laminar = 1, segmental = 3, and lobar = 10 points. RESULTS: All patients had pleural effusion or atelectasis. Between day 2 and day 7, the number of patients with effusions or atelectasis on the right side decreased (P < 0.05). The incidence of effusions on day 2 in the saphenous vein graft group (87.5%) was higher (P < 0.05) than in the internal mammary artery group (52.3%). The incidence of atelectasis in the lower right lobe decreased (P < 0.05) from 86.7% (day 2) to 26.7% (day 7). The degree of atelectasis in both sides did not differ on day 2 (P = 0.42) but did on day 7 (P < 0.0001). There was a decrease in the atelectasis from day 2 to day 7 on the right side (P < 0.001), but not on the left (P = 0.21). On day 2 there was a relationship between atelectasis and effusion on the right (P = 0.04), but not on the left (P = 0.113). CONCLUSION: The present series demonstrates that there is a high incidence of both minimal pleural effusion and atelectasis after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, which drops on the right side from day 2 to day 7 post surgery. Factors that contribute to the persistence of changes on the left side include the thoracic trauma and the presence of chest tubes and pericardial effusion.

Salivary gland tumors in a Brazilian population: a retrospective study of 124 cases

Salivary gland tumors constitute a highly heterogeneous histopathologic group. There are few epidemiological studies of large series of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hospital records of 124 patients with salivary gland tumors diagnosed from January 1993 to December 1999 were reviewed. The patients were analyzed according to gender, age, size, location, and histopathology of the tumor. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Patients with benign and malignant tumors presented with a mean age of 47.7 and 48.8 years, respectively. The frequency of benign tumors was 80% (n = 99) and malignant tumors 20% (n = 25). Tumors were localized in the parotid gland 71% (n = 88), in the submandibular gland 24% (n = 30), and in the minor salivary glands 5% (n = 6). The most common benign tumors were pleomorphic adenoma in 84% (n = 84) and Warthin's tumor in 13% (n = 13). Among malignant tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common in 52% (n = 13), adenoid cystic carcinoma occurred in 20% (n = 5), and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was detected in 12% (n = 3).

C-cells in colloid goiter

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to quantitatively evaluate C-cells in colloid goiters, analyzing 36 thyroids that were obtained through thyroidectomy from 24 patients with goiter and 12 normal glands from adult patients without thyroid disease, which were used as the control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On average, 6 different thyroid areas were sampled and labeled by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal anticalcitonin antibody, utilizing the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. C-cells were counted in fields measuring 1 square centimeter, and the mean number of cells per field was then calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: In the colloid goiter group, the number of C-cells ranged from 0 to 23 per field, while in normal controls they ranged from 20 to 148 per field. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a significant decrease of C-cell number in the colloid goiter group compared with control group, indicating that the hyperplastic process is restricted to follicular cells, to the detriment of C-cells, which probably cease to receive trophic stimuli.

Two new Bucephalidae (Trematoda) from Fishes of the Brazilian Amazon

Two new species of Bucephalidae (Trematoda) are described from fishes of the Brazilian Amazon. Glandulorhynchus turgidus gen. et sp. n. from Hydrolycus sp. differs from all others in the family by having conspicuous glands near the anterior extremity and an expanded uterus used for storing eggs. Prosorhynchus piranhus sp. n. from Serrasalmus rhombeus is characterized as having a small rhynchus and pharynx, and a large cirrus sac.

Localization of MCT2 at peroxisomes is associated with malignant transformation in prostate cancer

Previous studies on monocarboxylate transporters expression in prostate cancer (PCa) have shown that monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) was clearly overexpressed in prostate malignant glands, pointing it out as a putative biomarker for PCa. However, its localization and possible role in PCa cells remained unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that MCT2 localizes mainly at peroxisomes in PCa cells and is able to take advantage of the peroxisomal transport machinery by interacting with Pex19. We have also shown an increase in MCT2 expression from non-malignant to malignant cells that was directly correlated with its peroxisomal localization. Upon analysis of the expression of several peroxisomal ß-oxidation proteins in PIN lesions and PCa cells from a large variety of human prostate samples, we suggest that MCT2 presence at peroxisomes is related to an increase in ß -oxidation levels which may be crucial for malignant transformation. Our results present novel evidence that may not only contribute to the study of PCa development mechanisms but also pinpoint novel targets for cancer therapy.

Morphology, ontogeny and structure of the stipular nectaries in Caamembeca spectabilis (Polygalaceae)

ABSTRACT Nodal glands are found in one third of the Polygalaceae genera and have valuable taxonomic, ecological and evolutionary significance. In Brazil, they occur in five of the eleven genera already registered. However, there is still a controversy regarding the origin of these structures. The objective of this study was to characterize the morphology and the origin of nodal glands inCaamembeca spectabilis, in order to increase the structural and functional knowledge of these glands in the genera. Samples of nodal regions were collected, fixed and processed according to the methods of light microscopy and electron scanning. Ants were observed and identified along the stem axis. The glucose in exudate allows us to classify these glands as extrafloral nectaries. They are located in pairs on the nodal region. However, its origin is in the leaf trace. In the longitudinal section, the nectaries were present in the apex of cells with anticlinal walls impregnated with suberin, which represents the first record for the family. In this region there is also the formation of a hole by lysis. The secretory tissue is surrounded by phloem. Xylem vessels were observed only on the basis of the nectary, where there are also idioblasts with crystals in druse type. We have studied the ontogeny of the glands nodal in Caamembeca spectabilis and unveiled that these glands are linked to the leaves as stipular nectaries. In addition, the new findings presented here may add support for the understanding of morphology and anatomy of nodal glands in Caamembeca.